Vegas police shooting kills family dog

Police were initially called to the area of 16th and Carson streets on reported gunshots or fireworks, according to Metro. (Lindsay Curtis/FOX5)

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -

A Metro police officer fatally shot a pit bull just before 2 p.m. Sunday near S. 16th and Carson streets. Police said they were investigating a report of possible gunshots or fireworks when they encountered two pit bulls in a yard.

Metro police said the dog was aggressive and coming toward the officer, leaving him with no choice but to shoot.

"Officers have to act rapidly to developing situations that take us into the backyard of people who weren't involved in the call that we're originally there for. That was the case here," said Metro police Lt. Dan Zehnder.

Victor Patino, the owner of the pit bull, says his pet is not aggressive and did not deserve to be shot in the head.

"He wasn't just a pet. He was family to us," Patino said about his dog, Bubba.

Patino says police never knocked on the door to tell his family they would be opening the gate and entering the backyard.

"We're on our property. Our dog should be free to roam wherever he wants in the backyard," he said.

The dog owners say they will be contacting a lawyer for advice on what to do next.

This was the second officer-involved shooting with a Metro police officer on Sunday.

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